As I sit here and ponder the experience and the learning of the students I am overwhelmed with emotion. This was such a wonderful learning time for all of us. We learned so much about the Cherokee culture. So, you ask why this was so important? It is not about the Cherokee people totally, but about learning to care for others based on their background, needs, and desires.  We live in a very diverse nation and many people are not exposed to different cultures making it difficult to look beyond the illness. We learned about different illnesses, background reasons to lack of healthcare, and the importance of getting to know the population of people that you will be caring for so that you can provide the best patient-centered care that you can. Understanding the people and where they come from can add so much to the trust and understanding relationship that is needed in healthcare today. Listen to the stories of the students and what they have learned through this experience and join the next time a trip goes to experience another culture and find out how you can make your care the best it can be for those populations. I will never forget the generosity and warm relationship with the Cherokee Indian Hospital and the members of the Cherokee community. Mama Bear signing off until the next time.

Finishing up our last full day in NC and we are really wearing down. It has been a great week and I have really enjoyed being here with these ladies. The rain is coming down and the smoke is rising off the smokies. What a beautiful sight. Everyone is working on their blogs and the presentation that they will be presenting to the college on Tuesday. The wi-fi here has been challenging and we have had to drive into town and sit outside places to get a good signal. Many of the students are starting other classes and they are struggling because of the internet. They have had really good spirits and have really showed a good learning spirit and collaboration. I have learned so much about this "family" that I never would have if I hadn't had the privilege of being along. Wado udohiyu utsati (Thank you very much in Cherokee). Coco Falls in North Carolina. Running hard and fast due to the increased rain for the past two days. We walked down to see the majesty of creation. Beautiful.

What a day!

We spent the day high in the mountains! We visited the Snowbird Residential Recovery Center. What a beautiful place that is doing fabulous things for the Cherokee people. What a picturesque and peaceful place. We then went to Macedonia Baptist Church and heard about peace within the soul. I am having the best time with this family of girls and learning about a new form of healthcare that needs to spread across the nation! Here are a few pictures of the beautiful sites!

We have arrived in our home away from home. It is an amazing place. Everyone has jumped in and we are becoming a family for the week. I am really enjoying the fellowship with the students and getting to know them even better. Stay tuned for more fun times on the mountain.

Today was the first day to begin to prepare for the trip to North Carolina and learn about the Cherokee culture and healthcare for this population. I look forward to this trip and what we will learn that will turn our worlds upside down. Stay tuned for updates.